Thursday, May 07, 2009

ON MY WAY HERE - Four Eric Ogden photos from the CD shoot are featured in Amazing_CA's handsome graphic.

It's Been a Year!

Fans Mark OMWH Anniversary

A day late and still in the midst of a computer meltdown, the Carolina blog is passing out party hats and noise-makers to celebrate the one-year anniversary of On My Way Here, Clay Aiken's much-anticipated third mainstream album.

This calendar rewind features promo highlights, graphic designs, and montages inspired by songs from the diverse playlist of OMWH:

On My Way Here - OMWHAshes - AshesEverything I Don't Need - EIDNSomething About Us - SAUFalling - FallingWhere I Draw the Line - WIDTLThe Real Me TRMWeight of the World - WOTHAs Long As We're Here - ALAWHSacrificial Love - SLGrace of God - GOGLover All Alone - LAO

BONUS TRACKS

It's in Everyone of Us - IIEOUForget I Ever Knew You - FIEKYWhen I Need You - WINY

The singer's stint as Sir Robin in the Broadway show "Spamalot" ended the weekend prior to OMWH's May 6 drop; but promo for the album was already in high gear via online webisodes, New York-based TV show appearances, and a live concert on television's popular shopping site, QVC.

Slide Show Features Fan Art

The fandom's graphic artists wasted no time in creating amazing designs promoting the new CD.

In April 2008, various OMWH promo photos began appearing on the singer's MySpace page. Besides the title track, two songs from the album are still spinning on the player today: "EIDN" and "Ashes." Also available are "Invisible" and "Without You" from earlier CD's. Visits to Clay's site recently passed the 4 million mark.

Popular online promos included webisodes showing the making of OMWH and live performances of five songs (Ashes, EIDN, WIDTL OMWH, and SAU) on AOL Sessions, still available at the link. The clickable Sessions screen cap below is by ClayIzzaQT.

An autograph session at New York City's Virgin Megastore was followed by East and West Coast TV appearances. By June, all 12 tracks were consistently ranked in AOL's top 20 songs, and the Sessions videos populated the "most viewed" list and frequently led AOL's Top 11 Music Video Countdown.

PHOTO INTERLUDE: Highlighted in this clickable interlude are images from Spring 2008: an online webisode, successful autograph session, and TV appearances. Graphic artists include Amazing_CA, 1 and 2 with photos by dancerdad; ABeautifulMind, 3; and Fountaindawg, photos by SecretlyLovesClay, 4 and 5.

Shipwreck: Clay's Musical Diversity Tops

Tony of Shipwreck Island Studios gaveOn My Way Herea rating of 4.85/5. Below are excerpts from his review of the adult contemporary/pop rock album:

Five years after Measure Of A Man, Clay showcases his growth as a musician as well as a person. From the catchy "Ashes" to the inspiring "As Long As Were Here", Aiken shares his diversity like no current musician.

After every Clay release I find myself wondering what could he possibly do next to showcase his talent? Of course only he knows what is to come up next.But with On My Way Here, he has hit another home run.

There's a great pallet of songs to choose from. There are of course the Clay Aiken pop rock tunes that music fans all know him for, then there are tunes that will shock even the most faithful "CA" fan.

If you like a broad range of material that covers different musical genres then it is a no brainer that you will appreciate this release. The one song that I feel will shock many "Everything I Don't Need", because it is "CA" outside the box. Clearly going the extra mile to try something different and frankly I think it worked out perfectly.

Overall Clay has done the impossible again, releasing a disc that has something for everyone. A fun filled adventure from start to finish in the way only "CA" can do it.

Tony listed the 10 "best" tracks as On My Way Here, Ashes, Everything I Don't Need, Falling, Where I Draw the Line, The Real Me, Weight of the World, As Long As We're Here, Grace of God, Lover All Alone.

An Obama Love StorySomething About Us - Montage by DonnaLovesWayne

Montages Spread OMWH Virally

Fan montages that began as a simple celebration of the beautiful songs on OMWH evolved into a very successful tool in the viral marketing arena, spreading the word about the CD.

One of the album's most viewed montages, "An Obama Love Story" was set to "Something About Us" byDonnaLovesWayneand played at one of the presidential inaugural balls in January.

Revisiting the amazing OMWH videos is an superb way to mark the first anniversary. These selections are a starting point. As you discover others, please suggest them for the list.

26 comments:

I liked this CD also. Too many people didn't even know the CD was released and they were difficult to find in stores.

Interesting how so many of the songs were interpreted in different ways by the various montage makers. I believe that is how Clay wanted it--for people to be able to interpret each song in their own way.

Clay Aiken's OMWH is indeed a 'no brainer' winner album! Loved reading the reviews again, these critics had their listening ears on and recognized good music when they heard it.Awesome flashback, Thank you Caro!

I think OMWH is a masterpiece. Truly. It's a shame more people didn't know about this amazing album. Meanwhile, Clay Aiken keeps on trekking. He will be around for many many years. Thanks for the memories Caro.copingincalifornia

I love Clay Aiken's album "On My Way Here"! It has a great mix of different musical styles; there's not a bad song on the CD. The bonus songs are great, too! And Clay's voice just keeps getting better and better!

We're always in for a special treat with your blog. How time flies and now, looking back at all the excitement when OMWH was released. This is one memorable album and every song in OMWH highlighted Clay Aiken's amazing voice.

The graphics, montages, feedbacks from various people, etc. have contributed to how OMWH was received. Your blog has brought those special moments. Thanks so much!

GREETINGS!

This blog is about my passions: family, friends, music, teaching, journalism, Carolina basketball, and Clay Aiken. Since 2007, visitors have dropped by from 170 countries, the most recent being Cuba, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Nicaragua, and Aruba. Hope to see y'all again soon! - Caro